The International Air Transport Association has appointed its first woman director general, Saadia Zahidi, who takes over the role from 01 Nov.
Zahidi will be IATA’s ninth director general and joins IATA from the World Economic Forum where she is a managing director.
“…Saadia’s long and outstanding experience at the World Economic Forum will enhance and strengthen IATA as the voice of the world’s airlines,” says the airline body. “Global air transport is a trillion-dollar industry that has, and continues to, change the world for the better. Saadia’s appointment comes at a moment of significant change in the international environment.”
IATA says technology and geopolitics, among others, will reshape the industry in the future and that Zahidi brings the right skills to ‘effectively articulate what our industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently, and sustainably’. “She’ll bring a fresh perspective to IATA that will grow its support for the airline industry on the foundations of IATA’s well-established technical, financial, and data capabilities.”
Speaking on her appointment, Zahidi, also an author, says she’s honoured to take on the role at this pivotal moment for the sector. “Aviation is critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment, and opportunity. In a rapidly changing world, IATA’s role in bringing the industry together to collaborate through trusted standards, essential services, and advocacy has never been more important.”
IATA has thanked its current director general Willie Walsh, who finishes in the role 31 Jul, ‘for his outstanding leadership that helped IATA emerge from the C-19 years stronger and with a more representative membership than ever’. IATA’s chief financial officer Sandrine Le Borgne will serve as interim director general for the intervening period.
